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frequently asked questions
Byward FAQ

Chiropractic, Massage, Physiotherapy and ottawa Byward clinic FAQ

If you are new to chiropractic care, massage therapy, physiotherapy or to our clinic, you more than likely have questions.

Your questions are important to us. Please click on the links below to learn more. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for below, feel free to contact us. Our friendly staff and highly trained chiropractors, physiotherapists, and registered massage therapists are always happy to speak with you about your health and wellness.

CHIROPRACTIC CARE FAQ

What is chiropractic care?

One of the largest primary-contact health care professions in Ontario, chiropractic care is a non-invasive, hands-on health care discipline that focuses on the musculoskeletal system. Chiropractors practice a manual approach, providing diagnosis, treatment and preventive care for disorders related to the spine, pelvis, nervous system and joints. Please visit our section of our website to learn more.

What is an adjustment?

A chiropractic care adjustment is a highly-skilled and precise movement usually applied by hand to the vertebrae of the spine or other joints of the body. Adjustments correct the joint to restore proper movement and improve function. Sometimes, when a joint is adjusted, an air bubble may escape causing a popping noise, similar to when you crack your knuckles.

When should I see a chiropractor?

Patients consult chiropractic doctors for various reasons. Chiropractors commonly treat the following with great success: headaches, neck pain, upper, middle + lower back pain, joint pains or hip pain. Even if you don’t presently experience symptoms, chiropractic care can be an excellent add-on as part of your preventive health strategies to achieve your optimal health goals.

What are some of the benefits of chiropractic care?

Chiropractic care can help:

  • Improve movement in your neck, shoulders, back and torso
  • Improve your posture
  • Provide relief from headaches, neck and back pain
  • Help prevent work-related muscle and joint injuries
  • Lead to enhanced athletic performance
  • Improve your flexibility and range of motion
  • Relieve pregnancy-related back ache
  • Correction gait and foot problems

Are chiropractic care adjustments safe?

Chiropractic care is widely recognized as one of the safest, drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for the treatment of headache, and neck and back pain. It has an excellent safety record. However, no health treatment is completely free of potential adverse effects. Even common over-the-counter medicines carry a risk. Most patients experience immediate relief following an adjustment, however, some may experience temporary pain, stiffness or slight swelling. Some patients may also experience temporary dizziness, local numbness, or radiating pain. However, adverse effects associated with spinal adjustment are typically minor and short-lived.

What is the musculoskeletal (MSK) system?

The musculoskeletal (MSK) system is a complex network of muscles, bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments that offers us the ability to perform our daily activities. The MSK system supports literally everything we do, and provides structure, protection and function to the body. As you can imagine, without a healthy MSK system, it becomes very difficult to do the activities you love.

What is a MSK condition?

Musculoskeletal conditions include a wide range of disorders that can impact the bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints and connective tissue. It may result from physical trauma or other causes such as overuse. Injuries are considered acute, subacute, chronic or recurrent depending on the duration or pattern of presentation. MSK conditions commonly affect body parts such as the head and neck, shoulders, mid-back, low back and pelvis, elbows and hands/wrists. Unfortunately, if not managed promptly, MSK injuries may become chronic and result in debilitating pain and dysfunction. Due to the high prevalence of these injuries, MSK conditions are the second greatest cause of disability worldwide!

How are chiropractors educated?

Following 3-4 years of university education, chiropractors acquire their skills through a rigorous four-year, full -time accredited academic program including internship. Chiropractors must then pass comprehensive Canadian qualifying examinations in order to become licensed to practice.

Do I require a referral from my family doctor?

No. A patient does not need a referral. Chiropractors are legislated as primary contact health care professionals in every province in Canada. This means that patients can book an appointment with their chiropractor directly.

How many Ontarians use chiropractic care?

Chiropractic care is a regular part of the lives of nearly 2 million Ontarians.

Are there many athletes who use chiropractic care?

Yes. Many amateur and professional athletes use chiropractic care treatment as part of their overall health care, fitness, and maintenance program. Chiropractic care is often used to improve muscle and joint function, which has a direct effect on athletic performance. Athletes most often select treatment to improve their performance, whereas the average patient may select chiropractic care to help manage aches and pains.

Does chiropractic care require X-rays?

X-rays can play an important role in diagnosis. They may be taken when the patient case history and examination determines they are necessary. Chiropractors receive 360 hours of education in diagnostic imaging covering a full range of topics from protection to X-ray interpretation and diagnosis. Governments in every province have recognized the training and competence of chiropractors to take and interpret X-rays and have granted them this right.

Is chiropractic care covered by health insurance plans?

Most extended health care plans do have coverage for chiropractic care. It is important to check with your own carrier to determine what your plan includes.

Is chiropractic care appropriate for children?

A child is never too young to be checked by a chiropractor. Chiropractic pediatric care is very common and safe. Many parents bring their child to see a chiropractor. The birthing process can be strenuous on both mother and baby. It is appropriate for a baby to be checked as soon as possible after birth. Unless a child has an obvious problem, it can be difficult for parents to know when to seek chiropractic care.

Children are also very physically active and experience many falls at a young age resulting in minor trauma to the spine. Chiropractic care is adapted to the individual patient to match the size and needs of the patient.

Why should I see a chiropractor when pregnant?

During pregnancy, there are several changes which the body undergoes which can create extra stress on the joint and muscles leading to lower back pain, upper back and neck tension. A protruding abdomen, increase lower back curve, pelvic changes and postural adaptations can all result in a misaligned spine or joints. Women also seek chiropractic care when baby positioning is not optimal such as breech presentation. Webster’s technique is a specific chiropractic care analysis and adjustment used to establish balance in the pregnant women’s pelvis allowing for improved fetal position before delivery. All of our chiropractors are trained in Webster’s technique.

What is the popping sound when a joint is adjusted?

Adjustment of a joint may result in the release of a gas bubble from between the joints similar to when you “crack” your knuckles. It is caused by the change in pressure within the joint.

Can patients with osteoporosis get adjusted?

Yes. When developing a care plan, your chiropractor considers the unique circumstances of each patient. There are many ways to adjust the spine. The method selected will be best suited to your age, size and health condition.  Our chiropractors work with you to carry out a highly personalized treatment plan that is designed for you.

Once you go to a chiropractor, do you have to go forever?

After patients get the relief they want, they often wish to continue with periodic care. These visits can help support the final stages of healing and help detect and resolve new problems before they become serious. The choice is always up to the patient as to which form of care and treatment plan they choose.

What techniques do we use in our office?

We use several adjusting techniques in our office to accommodate a wide variety of patient’s needs. The main technique we use in our office is Thompson Terminal Point technique. This technique uses a highly specialized table with drop away pieces. This allows for a very gentle and effective chiropractic care adjustment. We also use Activator, Diversified and Gonstead adjusting techniques to fit patient needs.

MASSAGE THERAPY FAQ

What is a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT)?

Registered Massage Therapists are trained in Ontario for two to three years under a diploma program from one of a number of recognized massage therapy schools. Following their education, all candidates must take the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario’s Certificate Examinations to register and to practice in Ontario.

Registered Massage Therapists assess and treat physical dysfunction and pain of the soft tissue and joints of the body. Assessment and treatment can include orthopedic and neurological testing, soft tissue manipulation with Swedish massage being the most commonly used technique, remedial exercise, and client education programs. They also assess and treat a variety of musculoskeletal injuries and chronic conditions and contribute to maintaining the optimal health and wellness of their clients.

In addition to maintaining their registration with the College of Massage Therapists through an annual renewal process, they must adhere to the code of ethics, maintain the principles of the College’s Charter on Professionalism, meet or exceed defined massage therapy competency standards, take part in the quality assurance program, receive education regarding the prevention of all forms of abuse of their clients, and maintain privacy and confidentiality of their clients’ personal health information.

Who can benefit from massage?

Everyone can benefit from massage therapy.  Massage therapy works to enhance physical, mental and spiritual well being.  More specifically, people suffering from certain conditions such as migraine or headaches find relief. Athletes also benefit greatly, whether a weekend warrior or professional athlete, massage offers relief of soreness and treatment of injuries such as strains and tendonitis.  People who suffer from arthritis find relief from stiff achy muscles and joints.  Pregnant women will find massage therapy relieves back and leg pain and not to mention, postnatal care.

What if I’m uncomfortable during my massage?

The most common reason people have had a negative massage experience is because they didn’t want to say anything to their therapist during their massage. If you’re too hot or cold, if the music is too loud or soft, if the massage pressure is too hard or not hard enough, or if you feel uncomfortable in any way, let your Registered Massage Therapist know immediately. All of our massage tables are equipped with fitted table warmers, and everything from the music volume in the room to the angle of your face rest is adjustable. Your Registered Massage Therapist will never be offended if you make a request to turn up the heat, add a blanket, or adjust the table, pressure or music during your session.

What are the benefits of massage therapy?

Massage therapy can help relieve chronic muscle tension and pain, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental and physical stress, promote faster healing of injured muscles, improve posture, and reduce blood pressure.  Your Registered Massage Therapist will assist you in restoring, maintaining and enhancing your well-being.

What if I need to cancel my appointment?

To avoid being charged for the full amount of your session, please let us know 12 hours ahead of time if you will be unable to make your scheduled appointment. If your appointment is booked the same day you call, please be aware that the cancellation policy will be in effect once your appointment is set. This is done in fairness both to clients who would otherwise have wanted the appointment as well as the Registered Massage Therapist, who is not paid if they do not perform the session. If you are late to your session you are welcome to receive whatever time is left in your appointment. Due to our tightly booked schedule, we are generally unable to extend your session beyond your original appointment time.

Should I tip?

We are a Tip Free Zone. Our Registered Massage Therapists do not accept tips but would suggest in lieu of tipping, if you were pleased with your massage, the best tip you could offer would be to refer a friend, post a positive review or comment on social media, or provide a testimonial.

Do I need to take off my clothes?

It is not always necessary to remove all your clothing.  The Registered Massage Therapist will advise you of any reasons for the removal of clothing, although you only need to remove the clothing and items which you would feel comfortable removing.  Most massage techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed.

Will the Registered Massage Therapist be present when I undress?

The Registered Massage Therapist will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet.  Blankets are provided for extra warmth.

Will I be covered during the session?

You will be properly draped at all times so that you remain warm and comfortable. Only the body surface being worked on will be exposed.

How do I book my massage treatment?

Our Centre has a couple of ways you can book a massage appointment. You are welcome to call us directly to schedule an appointment with our receptionist weekdays from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, Saturdays from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm and Sundays from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm.

PHYSIOTHERAPY FAQ

Do I need a doctor’s referral to seek physiotherapy services?

You do not need a doctor’s referral for physiotherapy. However, if you are going to use your health insurance to cover the cost of therapy, the insurance provider may ask you for a doctor’s referral.

How can I be sure that physiotherapy is right for my health problem?

Physiotherapy focuses on removing the cause of the problem as opposed to superficially treating the symptoms. This process may take some time, but the results are often more permanent with less chance of the disorder returning.

What can I expect on my first appointment with a physiotherapist?

Although each clinic’s approach to intake, assessment, and therapy do vary, generally speaking, your physiotherapist will ask a series of questions that will help better describe all of your symptoms in detail. Your physiotherapist can then carry out your assessment. The physiotherapist will examine you physically and discuss the findings, the cause of the problem, and suggest a solution that can effectively treat your health problem

How long does each physiotherapy session last?

The first appointment usually takes about an hour for a full assessment. Subsequent treatments can be shorter or longer depending upon the condition and the treatment required. Subsequent physiotherapy treatments can be twenty to thirty minutes in length.

What treatments are used by physiotherapists?

The treatment administered by physiotherapists varies and can range from exercise, manipulation, stretching, and soft tissue massage among other therapy options. At times, ultrasound electrotherapy or acupuncture may be also used. Electrotherapy is the use of electrical energy to accelerate the healing process, reduce inflammation, muscle spasm and pain.